Sociology

Why do people in groups behave the way they do? Sociology students attempt to answer this big question through systematic study of social and cultural forces, theories, and research methods. Community projects, service learning, and course-related travel help students develop skills in observation and analysis.

International perspectives, work in the community, and collaborative student/faculty research projects—these are the hallmarks and the pride of the Sociology Department.

When it comes to international perspective, the department is a leader. The department continues to attract educators from around the world, creating a rich, lively and diverse learning community for its students.

Further, we offer our students ample opportunities to get out of the classroom and into the cultures they are studying. Our faculty-led student field trips abroad continue to be a highlight for students. Recent excursions include Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bosnia, Rwanda, Belize and Nicaragua. More about Program Overview

Whether in the classroom, out in the community or traveling the world, our faculty’s first goal is to engage with students in various types of scholarship above and beyond ordinary class-related activities. More about Faculty

News

Everyone knows that travel broadens your horizons and is educational in and of itself. But to get the richest experience and really learn about the country and culture you’re visiting, you’ve got to live and work among the people. And when you work to help those people, that’s even better…

Serving as the editor and chief of her Shelton (CT) High School yearbook as a senior, Anna DePasquale and her staff decided on a “journey” theme, including a cover that resembles a suitcase. “I’m a true believer in the premise that where you’ve been and the experiences that you’ve had…

Sociology major Margaret Mason’s SURF grant has enabled her to spend most of the summer in Rwanda, gathering information on the extent to which Rwandan Twa (Pygmy) members, a historically marginalized community, face institutional discrimination from healthcare providers.

Mason is collecting data from Twa residents of Cyaruzinge Village, and she…

Five Keene State students received SURF grants that allowed them to work on research projects over the summer. These prestigious fellowships allow talented students to spend a portion of their summer conducting research or carrying out a creative project that makes an original contribution to their chosen discipline.

OK, you can study foreign lands and culture in class, but how much are you really going to know about what it’s like there? Well, if you’re a student in Assistant Professor of Sociology Dr. Carolyn Keller’s Honors Global Engagement course (part of the Morris-August Honors Program ) on stratification…